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15 hours ago
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While PSG have assembled one of the deepest attacking units in football, they still have one player who remains critical to their chances of UEFA Champions League glory.
Ousmane Dembele has had an unbelievable campaign, putting him in contention for the Ballon d'Or, while simultaneously leading PSG to the brink of a maiden European crown.
However, fear ran rampant as Dembele was forced off with an apparent muscle injury during the second half PSG's Champions League semifinal first leg at Arsenal, where the former Barcelona attacker scored the only goals of the contest in the fourth minute.
Thankfully for the French giants, it appears that his injury is minor. But with only a week to recover before the second leg of the matchup next week, fans of both sides have been watching his status closely as kickoff approaches.
The Sporting News has the latest on Dembele's status after being withdrawn in the 70th minute of the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, with the return fixture in Paris set for kickoff on May 7.
MORE: Where Ousmane Dembele ranks in Ballon d'Or chase alongside Raphinha, Mo Salah
Latest news, reports on Ousmane Dembele injury
Dembele is believed to be fit enough to be involved against Arsenal, but reports indicate he will start the match on the bench, suggesting he is not fit enough to be risked unless PSG are in a position where they are in desperate need of a goal.
Dembele himself said after the first leg: "It's going to be fine!" Although his coach was also not too concerned, it does now seem that his optimism was misplaced.
Speaking last week, PSG boss Luis Enrique stopped short of confirming that Dembele would be able to recover in time. "It's nothing serious, it's rather light, but there is a doubt for the return match," the Spaniard said after the Arsenal match. However, he did reiterate that it was "just a niggle," so there was hope for a quick recovery.
Dembele did not play in the weekend Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg, which PSG lost 2-1.
Will Ousmane Dembele play second leg vs. Arsenal?
It has always seemed likely that Dembele would be ready for this critical Champions League semifinal second leg on Wednesday, at least as a substitute. Reports suggest that he will indeed start the game on the bench.
On Friday, Luis Enrique confirmed Dembele would sit out the weekend league game at Strasbourg. PSG have nothing left to play for in that arena, having already confirmed their domestic title while their push for an unbeaten league campaign fell short against Nice last weekend.
Luis Enrique added at the time that Dembele was "recovering favourably," and ahead of the Arsenal match, the PSG boss confirmed that Dembele was fit to play in the Champions League game.
"He has been training with the squad for two days so he is available for tomorrow," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
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